Transatlantic No Ports
Norwegian Joy Cruise Review to Transatlantic
11 Night Transatlantic (Southampton To Miami)
Sail date: February 13, 2024
Ship: Norwegian Joy
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 12633
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 2 months ago
Review summary
This was a unique cruise in my experience, absolutely no ports other than departure (Southampton UK) and destination (Miami USA) 10 uninterrupted sea days (my personal favorite) though they weren't the smoothest seas available (the notorious North Atlantic) and as the captain said "you can never underestimate the North Atlantic". Mostly rough seas, force 7 until nearly the end, up to 33 foot swells, windy and, while not cold, at least very cool outdoors,, at least to us. A little background, we're a longtime married couple, semi-retired, and have been cruising since 1988. We choose our trips based on itinerary, price, ship, and aren't glued to one cruise line exclusively. I enjoy different cruise lines to compare experiences, and to us, a trip "just to cruise" is a perfectly good excuse. NCL lived up to what we've come to expect, excellent accommodation, splendid ships, splendid crew, outstanding service, a crew second to none, I'm running out of superlatives. Except for one small interruption, the service was all to be expected. In Cagney's Steakhouse, where we've dined before, our side dishes were inexplicably late (compared to when they delivered the entree) and the toppings for the baked potato that 2 at our table ordered were later yet, resulting in the baked potatoes being cold before the toppings were applied. The restaurant was moderatey busy at best, plenty of empty tables. The rest of the food was excellent, but the aberration in service cast a shadow on what would've otherwise been an incredible meal. Overall, a great relaxing cruise, lots of good companionable shipmates, and another cruise in the book. Great job NCL, you certainly provided what we've come to expect.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Ocean Blue
Outstanding, food, service, ambience, it was all one could ask for!
Q Texas Smokehouse
Take it from a naturalized Texan, this is a GOOD place to eat barbecue. Service was great, food was smoky and delicious, and the Marck Bros made it entertaining as well.
The Local
My favorite quiet place for morning coffee and breakfast, so laid back and friendly, a perfect start to a relaxing day.
The Manhattan Room - Main Dining Room
Our favorite non-specialty restaurant, while not saying anything against the others, but Manhattan just seemed special to us.
The Humidor Cigar Lounge
One of my favorite hangouts, quite a social group met in there for cigars and chat, very enjoyable interlude in my day.
Observation Lounge
The size of this lounge was reduced by at least a third since our last trip on Joy. The remainder was extremely well served, negating what an excellent place this was for a midday nap.
Mixx Bar
A great place to meet before dinner for a cocktail.
Cagney's Steakhouse
The already mentioned burp in service wasn't monumental, enough said.
Atrium Bar
Hats off (and his was awesome, made a Texan feel right at home) to Clarense Bennett, who makes without a doubt the BEST Bloody Marys at sea, or anywhere else.
Onboard Activities
678 Oceane Plaza
Everything accessible from these three decks was fun, delicious, entertaining, you name it.
Atrium
Lots of action here, though I think some of the better served activities could've been held in a different location, as the Atrium area was usually packed with people, neccessitating alternative seating (folding chairs) and excessive waits for drinks, though the Atrium Bar staff met the challenge.
Entertainment
Social Comedy & Night Club
Flip Schulz was awesome!
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Check out the American Diner. This was supposed to be the initial voyage with the American Diner open as a complimentary restaurant, but it wasn't. There were rumors it opened up the last day, but I can't confirm that.
Ports of call
Miami, Florida Did not visit port